Course content

Theory: Anatomy, physiology, histology and cytology of the cervix, serous cavities, urinary and respiratory tract. Screening program against cervical cancer, screening history and risk assessment, HPV and cervical cancer, HPV test methods, HPV vaccine and quality assurance. Additional techniques, such as immunocytochemistry, PCR etc. Practice: Assessment of cytological preparations from cervix, serous cavities, urinary and respiratory tract in microscope and digital.

Learning outcome

Formalize the training in cytological assessment of cervical specimens after the workplace has trained the candidate to screen independently. Be able to recognize cells in cervical cytology that represent and suggest diagnosis by using cytological criteria for ASC-US, LSIL, ASC-H, HSIL, squamous cell carcinoma, AGUS, ACIS and adenocarcinoma. Enable the biomedical laboratory scientist to primary screen cytological specimens from the respiratory tract, urinary tract and serous cavities and recognize cells that represent malignant neoplasia and suggest diagnosis by using cytological criteria.

Learning methods and activities

The program is organized as part-time study over one year. It takes place partly in the workplace, as self-study and in internal teaching, according to a detailed plan by leading biomedical laboratory scientist in cytology. There are two compulsory weekly sessions at the Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Natural Science at NTNU, where problem-based learning is largely used in addition to lectures.

Compulsory assignments

• Course gynecological cytology
• course non-gynecological cytology

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Science or equivalent education and employed at a cytology laboratory, with at least one year's experience in independent screening work.

The employer must send a confirmation to the head teacher before the student attends the first session in gynaecological cytology stating that the student has undergone a structured training program in the cytology laboratory including screening cervical cytological samples with supervision and achieved enough knowledge and skills for independent screening. The confirmation before the second session in non-gynaecological cytology should state that the student has received training and experience in primary screening and assessment of cytological samples from the respiratory tract, serous cavities and urinary tract.

Required previous knowledge

The course is restricted.

A student who, in the context of their studies, becomes aware of someone’s personal affairs, is bound by confidentiality rules that apply to professionals in the relevant field, cf. § 4-6 of the Act relating to universities and colleges. The student is obliged to familiarize themselves with the provisions on confidentiality that apply to their field of study, cf. among other things, the Act relating to health personnel, the Act relating to social services, the Act relating to child welfare services. It is expected that the student signs a confidentiality agreement before starting their internship or at the beginning of their studies.

Course materials

Lectures, workshops(slide seminar) and group assignments

Credit reductions